by Johanna Osborne

It is the time of the year where children’s faces light up and adults breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a time of mistletoe and wine, celebration, magic, relaxation, delicious food, refreshing bubbles and a sense of accomplishment. Another year complete, all the preparation done, only thing left to do is enjoy it all and relax! Oh how I love Christmas and celebrating.

As a child in Germany I remember the ‘Christkindl’ coming on Christmas Eve and it leaving us beautiful gifts to find under the tree. There was something so special about how it was dark and snowy outside, and inside the fires were burning and the eggnog flowing (for the adults only unfortunately). The air was thick with celebration and magic had truly come alive. It was in everyone’s faces, young and old and all eyes were sparkling. I remember falling asleep under the tree surrounded by my gifts, as it was simply far too exciting to go to bed. It was the best Christmas ever.

It’s these moments that stay with us forever and shape how we see Christmas later in life. The child inside is always there, and it’s simply just a matter of staying in touch with that inner sense of awe and wonder to reawaken that excitement and spirit that makes Christmas oh so special.

For me personally this Christmas is an exceptionally profound one. It’s my last in New Zealand, at least for now. A few short days later we will be saying goodbye to our home here, our dear friends and our much loved family. It’s harder than I ever thought it would be. A few days ago I had my first taste of the heart wrenching goodbyes that lie ahead, when I farewelled one of my very best friends overseas, and she will return here once I’ve already gone. My first painful and very real goodbye, my first experience of what it’s like to leave and start over. It’s not easy. I’ve since said goodbye to a few more of my best friends and it sure doesn’t get any easier.

If anything this experience has taught me how lucky I am to have what I have. I don’t believe I’ve given up any of it, as my friends and family will be with me in my heart no matter where I am. But it is extremely humbling, grounding and also somewhat terrifying to realise that I have had it so good here and that I am walking away from a beautiful life and jumping into the unknown. We shall see where this leap of faith takes us! One thing is for sure, it’s bound to make us stronger.

But in the interim it’s about appreciating what we have in our lives, the amazing friendships and connections we have made, and the incredibly loving relationship we share with our family. And taking those things with us wherever we go. They are the biggest blessings of all, nothing the Christkindl leaves under the tree could ever compare with the special people and connections in our lives.

I am also very fortunate to have the love of a tolerant, brave and kind man who supports me unconditionally and understands me when I don’t even understand myself. I couldn’t ask for more. With Stephen and Milan by my side I feel empowered and most of all very very blessed to take this next step in our lives.

So as 2013 draws to a close and a new beginning stretches itself in front of us I am sure I am not alone, and that for many of us 2014 might hold some scary unknowns. Let’s be brave together, feel the fear and do it anyway! We can do it, let’s live a little, let’s be courageous and let’s push ourselves that little bit further. See you on the other side my friends! And in the meantime Merry Christmas to you. Thank you for your support, reading our blogs, following our FB and Twitter pages and of course being so devoted to our pride and joy – MR & MRS magazine. We love having you along for the ride and couldn’t do it without you. You rock! And don’t worry, I will be back with more… I may be moving country but I won’t leave your side, lucky lucky you. Kiss!

xoxo Johanna